Country club approved for tennis

The Skaneateles Country Club has received approval from the town board to add tennis courts to the activities on the club grounds.

Town counselors heard arguments in favor of allowing the club to build the courts during a June 4 public hearing on the subject. There were no arguments against the project.

"About a year ago we started on this project," David Campanile said. "I think the project speaks for itself."

According to Campanile, the court's playing surface will consist of Har-Tru, a clay surface that is "easy on the knees," he said.

Not only will the surface take pressure off players' knees, it will also take the pressure off the courts at Austin Park. Adding the courts at the country club will free up the public courts at prime times during the day when space is at a premium.

"Tennis courts at country clubs are a given," said Jim Fields, general manager for the country club.

This will be the first time tennis courts have made their home at the country club in its 94-year history. According to Fields, the club has had several people request memberships since finding out it was trying to get courts on the grounds.

In the process of getting the tennis courts approved, the country club also had to contend with a water issue. The project includes a water treatment facility to help abate the flooding on Route 41A that occurs during rainstorms, Campanile said.

Also included ate retention ponds and ditch work, which will help take care of the water issue, Fields said.

A driveway to the south of the property also was not in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations and the club is fixing that as well.

"The project encompasses change for the positive," Campanile said.

The town board approved the project after closing the public hearing.

"We wish you well and hope you're right about the [tennis court] covering," Supervisor Phil Tierney said.